50 Uses For Paracord That You May Not Know

In case you’re not aware, Parachute cord, or more commonly referred to as “Paracord”, is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope which was initially used in the suspension line of parachutes. It can also be described as relatively elastic due to its all-nylon construction. Paracord has a smooth texture, and is an extremely versatile material.

In today’s world, you’d be doing yourself a really big favour by keeping even at least a few handy materials with more than one beneficial use. Amongst those materials should definitely include Paracord. Excellent for utility functions, as well as exhibiting a fashion sense, let’s explore some of its uses!

1.Making Fishing Line

You’re hiking near a lake and you’ve decided it’s a good time to throw a line out for a catch, only to realise there’s no fishing line available, and all you’ve got is the paracord that’s holding your water bottle to your backpack.

Don’t worry, you can still throw that line out! All you’d need to do is strip off the cord exterior and pull out the inner strands which are perfectly suitable for attaching a hook.

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2.Making A Leash

A project that loving pet owners are sure to enjoy. Personalize your dog-walking experience by making your very own leash out of a few yards of paracord. With simple attachments, such as metal or plastic clasps, the leash will be just as useful as any one bought from a store. Probably not even the store will exist then.

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3.Making A Hammock

Having a hammock is never a bad idea. A good rest is what you probably need. Enhance your sustainability by weaving your very own with paracord! We all know the sensation of some quality time unwinding in a hammock-enough inspiration to get you excited about this product.

Paracord’s reputable durability makes it a prime material to support your weight. The video guide shows you how to do it in a controlled environment and you can take it out there if you need to.

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4.Securing A Tent

Give yourself even more reassurance by using paracord to secure your tent. This material is even sturdier than rope, and is always a great item to have in your inventory on camping trips. Any sensible outdoorsman should aim absolute peace of mind when it comes to securing shelter, and can’t go wrong with relying on paracord to provide that.

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5.Improvising Dental Floss (if you really have to)

It can get pretty annoying having something stuck in your teeth. Whether you’ve just had some meat, or perhaps some delicious fruit, and there’s no floss available to get those extras out, some handy paracord can help you all the same. Simply remove the yarns from the core to use as a floss substitute.

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6.Watch Strap

A great idea for any survivalist. Who really wants the discomforting possibility of their watch straps breaking in an outdoor survival situation? Or at all, for that matter?

Eliminate that possibility by either buying a watch strap made out of paracord, or making one yourself. Totally secure, and totally trendy! Don't know how to do it? Check out the video!

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7.Making A Belt

Considered as one of the most popular paracord projects. Making a belt would be an excellent way to conveniently store and carry a large volume of cordage. You can use different colour cords too, if your taste is more towards the eccentric side. A must-have for anyone aiming to be prepared, as well as stylish.

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8.Securing A Boat

I’m guessing you don’t want your boat drifting away if u plan on docking near the shore, or maybe you’d just like it to be secure enough to prevent it from rocking. Either way, you can’t go wrong with selecting paracord to uphold this duty. Being sturdier than rope, it surely wouldn’t disappoint you.

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9.Repairing A Sail

If your sail’s got a hole, it could mean a major cause for concern. You probably wouldn’t have anticipated an unfortunate event such as this one, so you didn’t walk with a needle and thread to handle the situation. It’s more likely that you have paracord laying around, which can be used for its inner strands as sewing thread.

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10.Wrapping A Knife Handle

After extensive use, knife handles have the tendency of breaking. Should this lead to the entire blade being useless? Certainly not. In a situation where you need a replacement (or substitute) for a knife handle, paracord can be used as a suitable option. You’ll find that the knife is then easier to handle.

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11. Lanyard To Hold Items (pocket knives, keys, etc.)

This material can also be used to create a lanyard to hold items you’d prefer to keep close. Your key(s) or pocket knife can be secured after the paracord is tied into a knot (or knots) of any kind in a pattern that suits your taste, and the optional addition of a metal clasp.

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12.Securing A Tarp

Similar to a tent, a tarp has to be securely tied down to ensure adequate sheltering. Being that paracord is more durable than regular rope, it would be considered wise(to me at least!) to use it to tie down your tarp. Be sure that your knots are properly tied!

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13.Tying Someone (a threat) To A Tree

Let’s say you’ve discovered an intruder in your home, you get into a scuffle and have successfully taken them down. Are you going to have them pinkie-promise you that they will calmly await the arrival of the authorities? I sure hope not! Use the cordage to make handcuffs or securely tie someone up.

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14.Securing Random Stuff During A Storm

High winds don’t respect property! A smart plan would be to ensure that anything that can be blown away by the wind is properly secured so as to prevent hazardous conditions, or damage to goods. Should you run out of rope, or are looking for a strong material to do the job, make use of some paracord.

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15.Bear Bagging

As a camper, you’ll definitely be worried about Yogi Bear and Boo-boo getting to your perishable foods. Make use of a paracord by hanging those food supplies up high on a tree branch to keep grizzly bears at bay. The strength of the material should allow the support of heavy a package. Check out how to do it below!

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16.Creating Pulley Systems

Lighten your work load by creating a pulley system. Parachute cord is ideal for such a system as its durable nature will prove very efficient in the lifting of heavy objects. Of course, the amount of cordage required will vary depending on the size of the load to be lifted.

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17.Securing Rolled Up Items (sleeping bags, clothes, etc.)

Paracord is also very useful for bundling up items. Neatly pack away your rolled up sleeping bag by tying it with some paracord to keep it nice and snug until you’re ready to use it again. It also comes in handy when packing clothes and can help create more space.

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18.Making A Pet Collar

I bet your pet would love you more, or perhaps even become more obedient if it knew it was wearing a home-made collar! Sometimes the collars found in stores may not quite fit our taste. If you’re thinking about making one of your own, you can’t go wrong with using this hard-wearing material.

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19.Shoe Lace Replacement

Another one of the many uses for paracord include shoe lace replacement. It’s also another convenient way to discreetly carry lots of cordage along with you. Especially useful with boots, as they can hold a lot more than the average shoe. Try double lacing to ensure you don’t run out.

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20.Hanging Tools From Your Belt

Save yourself the hassle of continuously having to reach around for the tools you need when working on a project. Paracord can be used to favourably hang your essential tools from your belt for easier and quicker access. If you’re out in the wild, it’s a great idea as well, as you’d probably prefer quick reach under those conditions.

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21.Making A Sling

Yep. A sling can be used to throw a stone. It can also refer to rifle slings or shotgun slings. We will cover it below. A study sling to throw rocks for defending yourself is extremely useful.

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22.Repairing Torn Clothing

The uses of inner paracord strands seem to be limitless. As mentioned earlier, you can substitute sewing thread with these inner strands, which will surely prove to be just as useful. All you need to do is ensure that you have a needle handy, and you’re ready to stitch up that tear!

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23.Clothes Line

Paracord’s sturdy nature also makes it an ideal material for setting up a clothes line. If you’re in a wilderness setting, at one point or another you’re sure to get your clothes wet. Make yourself a clothes line to properly hang them out to dry. A creative design for home space as well. Basics of homesteading.

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24.Emergency Sewing Thread

I can’t stress this enough! Be sure you’re cognizant of “the guts” of paracord and its wide range of useful purposes. Amongst these purposes is the reliability of being used as sewing thread. Need to sew on a patch? Stitch up a hole in clothing? Sew on a button? You’re in luck if you have this material handy.

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25.Making A Fishing Net

In case you’ve forgotten your fishing net, or would simply love the thrill of making your own, what’s better than using a material that’s made to last? Probably not the easiest project in the books, but definitely one that’s worth it if you plan on bringing home some salmon or catfish!

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26.Hanging Mesh Frames For Greenhouse Plants

Self sustaining 101 necessacitates grow your own food. Personalize your greenhouse garden by weaving your very own suspending mesh frames. Instead of having to buy a wire trellis, express your creativity and give your plants a touch of style. Paracord is a material more than capable of supporting your growing plants, and will surely get you some compliments while doing so.

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27.Headband Or Head Tie

That’s right, paracord can also be used to make a fashion statement! Tired of ribbons and bandanas? Use paracord to achieve the same effect by stylishly tying your hair with home-made bands and ties in colours of your choice! It’s bound to give the ladies a trendy look, and suitable for long-haired males too.

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28.Tying A Sled To Drag In Heavy Snow

What’s more frustrating than trying to move (on foot) with a heavy load? Trying to move with a load in heavy snow, that’s what. An ideal idea would be to place the load on a sled and drag it along with paracord. Its sturdy nature makes it very reliable for the job. Unless you have dogs; then you can be the load.

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29.Improvise A Candle Fuse

If you’re relying on an oil lantern to provide light, and its fuse is all burned up, what will you do? Naturally you’ll think about getting some more, right? If you’ve got paracord handy, bear in mind that it burns very well and is a suitable substitute fuse should you need one.

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30.Suspending Large Objects

Much like bear bagging, there are situations where you’d probably prefer an object suspended in the air for various reasons. Some objects may be too large and/or heavy to rely on regular rope to do the trick. Paracord, however, would make an excellent selection, and is more likely to keep the object suspended for a longer time.

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31.Hanging A Hammock

We spoke about making a hammock out of paracord, but what’s about hanging it? This material can also aid in the hanging of your hammock to complete your relaxation ritual. If your hammock is made of paracord and also hung by it, wouldn’t that make for a funny detail!

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32.Make A Tire Swing

Do something fun for the kids or yourself! Whether you’re in the wild or at home, with children in the picture, pretty soon you’ll need a cure for boredom. Ask them to help you as the idea alone is bound to get them excited beyond containment. With a strong enough branch, paracord can easily support a tire swing.

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33.Tying A Surfboard To Ankle Brace

Useful information for surfers, whether beginners or experts. If you’re a beginner, I’m pretty sure you don’t want the hassle of having to swim after your surfboard after every wipe-out. Additionally, I’m sure you wouldn’t want the hassle of losing it to the current either! Parachute cord is quite useful for making your own ankle leash.

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34.Tying Extension Cords Together

It can get pretty annoying when your extension cords get all tangled up. In addition to the unsightly imagery, it may also pose as a hazard. Neatly tie them together with some parachute cord, and prevent a hazardous situation. I find it to be a better solution than simply ignoring the issue!

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35.Cat Toy

You can entertain your cat by making a toy for it out of this material. No, not by simply dangling the cord in front of its face. Try dangling it in front of its face with a bell attached to the end! Any cat would be totally amused and will gladly knock it around until its tired.

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36.Strap For A Bag

Losing a bag or purse strap can be a total inconvenience. I mean, sometimes the bag is in great condition apart from a strap that decided to give up on you. Should you throw it away? I think a better idea would be to replace the strap. Paracord’s durability and strength makes it a perfect replacement.

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37.Tying Bales Of Hay Together

Pretty useful for off the grid farm owners or someone simply in the business of selling hay. You can make some space by tying the bales together. Using this cordage, your bales of hay will be totally secure with no chance of bursting the paracord or wearing it out. Another useful idea to bear in mind.

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38.Keeping A Picnic Table Umbrella Closed

You’ll definitely need something strong to keep this big umbrella closed until you’re ready to use it again. Paracord resilience will surely do the trick, and its lighter and a little more convenient to travel with. Another reason to buy this cordage in bulk.

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39.Securing A Trash Can Lid On A Trash Can

Tired of those stray cats and/or racoons getting in your trash and leaving a mess for you to clean up? Besides rope, paracord is also useful for securing your trash can lid to ensure strong winds, or vermin can’t have their way with it. Paracord is also flexible and easy to remove.

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40.Make An Improvised Stretcher

Be prepared for an emergency medical situation, this project is just as important as making a hammock. By lashing poles together and attaching a pre-made net, it can be a real lifesaver in a tight spot outdoors. I’d have never guessed this thing (paracord) was so useful!

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41.Dragging Timber

Similar to dragging a sled, you can transport heavy logs with reduced effort by tying it with one (or a few) of these cords. Save yourself some time if you’ve got some handy, especially in a situation where it is best to improvise. You can’t fall short with this option!

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42.Making Stronger Knots

Lighten the mood!. Explore your art side by peacefully tying and untying knots to suit your taste. It’s a great way to unwind while providing yourself with things that may come in handy. Well, on a more serious note. Check out some basic knots we should know.

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43.Rifle Sling

Resilient enough to support an ak-47 on your shoulder, don’t think twice to use this cordage for secure and convenient rifle carry on a range trip! Just as useful for a hunter in an outdoor setting, it’s a perfect substitute with a comfortable feel. A sling is also useful for bundling and carrying cargo.

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44.Hanging A Bird Feeder

Additionally, you can strategically keep your bird feeder in place without the worry of easily worn out material causing it to fall.

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45.Hanging A Piñata

If it’s strong enough to support a bag filled with solid food, what’s a piñata filled with candy, right? Handy material for children’s birthday parties, it will keep a piñata suspended with ease. Although, it won’t be for long if I take the first whack at it!

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46.Lashing Or Whipping

To control your cattle, a paracord whip is truly an effective one. Please be sure you’ve at least a little experience with or knowledge about whip cracking before you attempt to use one you’ve made.

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47.Self-Defence Weapon

A whip made from paracord may also serve as a self-defence weapon and would be very useful to someone able to handle it properly.

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48.Securing An Antenna On A Roof

If you guessed it, you’re right; you can also use it to make sure an antenna is properly placed on a roof for adequate reception.

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49.Pulling Out A Loose Tooth

We’ve come to yet another use of inner paracord strands. Relieve your infant of their loose tooth by tying the string around it, same as you would do with regular thread, and gently tugging it out.

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50.Zipper Pull

In a survival situation, you may be carrying loads of items in your bug out bag. A broken zipper can be a true inconvenience. You don't want them to be spilling out don't you? With just a little piece of paracord, you can easily improvise a zipper pull.

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Conclusion

The next time you’re looking for some rope be sure to recall what you’ve read in this article. Some yards of paracord will make a great addition to your shopping cart. If you already knew about its wonders, then hopefully your appreciation has increased five-fold!

Who would have guessed that Paracord could be this functional? Undoubtedly a must-have for any s﻿﻿urvival situation, and a convenient material to keep in your utility closet at home. It can save you a great deal of money, as well as a great deal of time and possibly space.

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About the author

Colin

Colin is a freelance writer and editor. A fan of The Walking Dead. It led him to think what if SHTF and what does it takes to survive.
Colin hobbies includes gears, tech gadgets and rehearsing different "End Of The World" situations in his head.